Why we chose it: Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires more than just learning how to create a polished business plan. The University of Houston curriculum addresses issues for entrepreneurs who are operating in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Message boards and blogs for each course make it easy for students to keep up and participate. "We serve the niche group of professionals who can't afford to quit work to go to school," says David Summers, associate professor of management. "More and more people are finding themselves in that situation," he says. While working full-time as the VP of marketing at an economic development corporation, University of Houston student Adrian Cannady, 28, developed a plan for a consulting firm that recruits talent for major league sports teams.